Nick Smith Jr. is taking his profession abroad, and his former Lakers teammates made certain to ship him off with some encouragement.
After Los Angeles declined his staff possibility earlier this summer season, Smith entered free company searching for his subsequent alternative.
As an alternative of remaining within the NBA, the previous first-round decide determined to hitch Actual Madrid on a one-year contract.
The transfer represents a significant change for Smith, who spent three seasons within the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets and Lakers.
He averaged 7.6 factors in 17.5 minutes per recreation throughout that stretch however was primarily utilized in a reserve position.
His state of affairs ought to look significantly completely different in Spain.
Smith is anticipated to deal with lead-guard duties for Actual Madrid, giving him a chance to play a a lot bigger position for the EuroLeague membership the place Luka Doncic developed earlier than getting into the NBA.
Smith celebrated the signing by posting a photograph in his new uniform on Instagram, prompting a number of Lakers gamers to reply.
Bronny James was among the many first to congratulate him.
“Rattling thats fireplace bro be nice!!!” James commented on Smith’s put up.
Adou Thiero supplied his help as properly, writing, “Get to it brudda,” whereas Jake LaRavia added, “Yea nick.”
Whereas Smith is heading to Europe, Bronny is getting ready for a distinct sort of transition in Los Angeles.
He’ll stay with the Lakers after his $2.3 million contract turned totally assured, however he’ll now not share the group along with his father.
LeBron James knowledgeable Los Angeles that he would go away the franchise earlier than ultimately becoming a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.
That creates a brand new state of affairs for Bronny, who now has a chance to proceed creating with the Lakers with out his father on the roster.
